I am new to the Jeep world and am learning a lot by reading comments on this forum, thanks.

I put a 3.25" lift on my TJ and wanted to go with 33" tires. I have a Dana 44 with 3.73 gears, 4.0 with 5 speed. Still researching tires and wheels.

1) If I go with 33" tires, will I loose significant power? Looking at Goodyear Duratracks.

2) Steel wheels seem to cost about half of an Alloy wheel but I understand Steel weighs considerably more. Is it worth the extra cost for Alloy wheels in order to keep the extra weight off? Looking at ProComp.

I spend time in the mountains, on non-maintained roads, crossing creeks, over small downed trees and branches. I would like to try some rock crawling in the future but probably not a regular thing for me.

Weight difference will make a difference. 3.73s with 33s isn't going to be the best, but it's a lot better than 3.07s and will work. I always suggest just to try it out and see if you can take it since it's not going to hurt anything. If you just can't stand it then re gear.

Steel wheels will also bend, if you play in the rocks they'll probably get bent up. Alloy won't bend, but it will crack if you beat them hard enough.

2) Steel wheels seem to cost about half of an Alloy wheel but I understand Steel weighs considerably more. Is it worth the extra cost for Alloy wheels in order to keep the extra weight off? Looking at ProComp.

I lost 21lbs per wheel going from 31's on steel Soft-8's to 33s on Procomp alloys. The extra cost is definitely worth the lower weight & less chance for wobbles, and a tire thats easier to balance.

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If you decide to go steelies... Black rock is an american made wheel actually here in Ontario, California. Prices are similar. I don't know about buy I assume, and maybe i'll look like an a**, everything that says procomp is from China...

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Life with Christ can be explained like a Jeep...
Being in the Word... grows your tire size.
Prayer... gains more ground clearance.
Fellowship... Is like having a good spotter.

The more of these you have... the easier it is to get over obstacles in your path.
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I had a similar experience to Unlimited04 when I went from steel wheels to alloy. My 35" BFG KM2's on alloy rims are a half pound lighter than the outgoing 33"x10.5" BFG AT's on Soft 8 wheels according to my bathroom scale.

Lighter wheels mean less stress on the steering/axle guts, less stress on your brakes, better ability to follow bumps via decreasing unsprung mass, and your stock tire carrier will like it better.

The strength debate either way is a bit of a moot point. When was the last time you broke a wheel - either steel or aluminum? If you're doing stuff that's going to break wheels you probably need beadlocks.